Unlock the Secrets of Cannabis Quality: Your Complete Guide to Reading Lab Reports and COAs
In the rapidly evolving world of legal cannabis, understanding what’s actually in your products has become more crucial than ever. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a certified lab report that provides testing results of a cannabis product and is a report of all quality assurance measures a cannabis product has been tested for. Whether you’re purchasing from a local dispensary or using a cannabis delivery riverside service, knowing how to interpret these documents empowers you to make informed decisions about your cannabis consumption.
What Exactly is a Certificate of Analysis?
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a lab test report that provides information on the safety, quality, and potency of a cannabis product. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) requires that all cannabis products undergo testing by a licensed third-party laboratory before being sold to consumers. A COA is a report from a licensed third-party testing facility that verifies safety, potency, and quality. It protects consumers and supports transparency across the market.
These certificates are proof that a cannabis product meets the state’s quality assurance and safety standards and deems that product safe for consumption. These certificates are often on product labels or published on a brand’s website and offer transparency into the contents and quality of a cannabis product.
How to Access Your Product’s COA
New York State requires that all cannabis products sold at licensed dispensaries have a label with a link or QR code that brings you directly to the CoA for that cannabis product. When you scan the QR code you will either go directly to the CoA or a website where you can find the CoA for that cannabis product. You can often find COAs on labels or labels that feature web addresses to a COA or easy, scannable QR codes.
Consumers may request a CoA from the dispensary where the product was bought. Information about how to get a CoA is sometimes on product packaging and all dispensaries are required to provide one for any product upon request.
Reading the COA Header: Your First Step
It’s essential to reference the COA Header first because this section confirms the identity of the product and testing laboratory. Consumers should check the report date to be sure that the results are recent and relevant. The first section to check is the product and sample information. This part includes the product name, batch or lot number, the date the sample was taken, and the name of the licensed laboratory that conducted testing.
The Lot Number or Unique Identifier is a special code that allows the state to trace the full history of the product—from where it was grown to where it was sold. This is also used to recall products if there’s a problem.
Understanding Cannabinoid Profiles
Cannabinoids are phytochemicals present in the cannabis plant that each possess individual properties. Each cannabinoid is listed, its percentage by weight and its respective mg. Flower and vapes show cannabinoid levels in percentages (%). Edibles show the amount in milligrams (mg) per serving and per package.
Key cannabinoids include THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD (Cannabidiol) – A non-intoxicating compound known for its therapeutic properties, and CBG, CBN, THCA, CBDA, and other minor cannabinoids – Each with unique potential benefits.
The Total THC is calculated using this formula: Total THC = (0.877 × THCA) + THC. Because THCA loses weight when it’s heated, as it releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and turns into THC.
Terpene Testing: The Aromatic Compounds
Terpenes contribute to the aroma, flavor, and potential effects of cannabis. Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis its smell and may also affect how it makes you feel. Common terpenes include: Myrcene: Earthy or musky smell. Other common terpenes include Myrcene – Known for its relaxing properties and Limonene – Often associated with an uplifting effect.
Safety Testing: What to Look For
Each section should reflect the specific contaminant being tested (example: “lead” for Heavy Metal Testing) and whether or not the sample PASSED or FAILED. If the presence of a harmful contaminant is detected above the limit set by the OCM, then the test is considered to have “FAILED.” If the contaminant is detected below the limit, then the test is considered to have “PASSED.” A product sold in a regulated dispensary should never show any test as “FAILED” on a CoA.
In addition to the potency of ingredients, the COA is vital for consumers to determine whether or not the product is free from harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, molds and bacteria. COAs ensure product safety by checking for harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
USDA and State guidelines require that all products be tested. If there is no COA available do not consume or buy the product. Many studies have shown that product labels do not always match laboratory testing results. Some products contain more THC than advertised. Others list CBD amounts that are much higher than what is actually present.
Studies like the one published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) show that product labels often miscalculate cannabinoid potency or fail to report the existence of cannabinoids that are present in the products. In a study of 84 hemp labels, JAMA found that nearly 70% either over or under-represented their CBD potency.
Making Informed Decisions
If you’re a consumer, learning how to read a cannabis COA accurately will help you make informed decisions regarding which cannabis products are safe and ideal for you. By reading COAs and noting which products work best for you, you can make more informed decisions and predict how a product may make you feel before committing to a purchase.
Understanding a COA helps everyone in the market. It empowers buyers to make informed choices and supports safe use. When shopping for cannabis products, whether through traditional dispensaries or delivery services, always request to see the COA and take time to understand what the numbers mean for your specific needs.
Another way to learn more about your chosen product’s testing COA is to speak with your budtender. Budtenders can review the cannabis COA with you and answer any questions you may have about its result. This educational approach ensures you’re getting the most value from your cannabis experience while prioritizing safety and quality.